I am a serious climber for over three years. I have onsighted a 5.10B, and have toproped a 5.11A. All of these were in a gym, but the owners say I am a natural. I am really just wondering if I have a chance of maybe getting sponsored with some shoes or even a chalkbag. What do you guys think?

I am CEO of Sweetchuck ManThong International. If you would be willing to climb in my exclusive ManThong (and nothing else of course) I'd be happy to throw in my old chalk bag and some shoes maybe (what size are you and do you have any bowling alley spray?). You can be like Sharma in a ManThong!

I am being serious here. I asked a simple question, there is no reason to not give me an answer. The gym guys really said I am good, and my mom doesn't want to buy me new gear because it is expensive. So real answers only please.

I am being serious here. I asked a simple question, there is no reason to not give me an answer. The gym guys really said I am good, and my mom doesn't want to buy me new gear because it is expensive. So real answers only please.

O.K., Gabe, serious answer. Given the grades of climbing you can do after 3 years of climbing, you ONLY have hopes of "recognition" and sponsorship if you are under the age of 10 years old. 11yo might still work, but 10yo would be better...

If that is the case, and if you keep improving about one number grade a year, you will have a good chance of getting recognized in couple years.

Otherwise, sorry, but your climbing is not that impressive. You will have a better chance of geting the gear you need if you get a part-time job and save money.

Meanwhile, find out if there is a youth climbing team anywhere near you, and if your Mom would be willing to drive you to some bouldering competitions. And climb on.

I understand your concern to not want to drop a lot of kizzash on climbing equipment.

Think about it like this: you characterize sponsorship as 'recognition'. That is not what sponsorship is about, really.

Companies who sponsor athletes do so for a variety of reasons: - To increase their visibility within the climbing community - To associate themselves with elite athletes obtaining good competitive results so that other climbers will think "... I can climb like Beth or Tommy if I were La Sportivas..." - As a 'goodwill' gesture towards the climbing community; to 'hook a brotha up', as they might say

In some sports, such as bicycle racing, the last reason is the primary motivation for sponsorship at the amateur level (in my opinion).

The other motivations, i.e. association with athletes who will present a good image for the company/increase visibility, are the likely motivation for sponsorship in a sport like climbing. It is a business decision for the companies. The last reason (hooking a brother up) surely comes into play to some extent, too, but I don't think that gets you free stuff; only discounts.

So ask yourself this: what kind of climber do you have to be in order for it to be a good business decision for someone to sponsor you? The answer is probably being a serious climber, competing on at least the regional level, getting good results at said competitions, and showing promise of improving. That, and being a good representative/emissary for a company (i.e. not a jerk).

Sounds like you're improving quickly, and showing promise. Kudos to you. If being sponsored is a goal of yours (some people will come on here and hate all over that as a goal, but I don't think it is a bad one, necessarily, as long as you realize that it is only a by-product of the larger goal of being an elite competitive climber), get yourself to some competitions, start climbing with those who are more experienced than you, learn, and improve.

Also, realize that living the lifestyle of the recreational athlete isn't cheap if you want the nice equipment. For the time being, scrounge for sales, get shoes resoled, and don't buy the most bling bling stuff.

O.K. If you're talking "old skool" Yosemite type ratings, then maybe you are pretty good. You still have to excel at outdoor climbing though because gym climbing just isn't that photogenic and it is really hard to objectively evaluate your skillz on problems that are re-set every couple of months. Also, if you're serious about getting answers on this forum don't get angry because you're just going to get buried in crap. Just ignore people that are having fun at your expense and move on with your life .

ya, dude, i want some reconiition and a sponsor too. I have only been climbing a year now and i climb solid 11's and almost all 12's. And i still havent gotten any reconition. And those ratings arent from the gym, they are from outside. Dont plan on getting any of your own for awhile man. 3 years and only 5.10?

That aint funny man.... ive heard that nigeria is the new hot spot for sick climbers:)

Ok on topic now.... You definately need to be getting outdoors and climbing there if you ever want to get sponsored, unless you are a florida gym comp climber that regularly flashes V8 and 5.13 on the rare occasion that you get outside. If you dont go outside then you are not a good prospect for a company. If you are wanting a sponsorship then you need to be in the climbing publics eye majorly so that people look up to you and respect you otherwise you need to be sending 13s and v10+. One climber I can point out is chris sierzant.... he just climbed his first 5.14. now in respect to other professional climbers that isnt all that high (dave graham, yuji hirayama, and many others can onsight at this level) but chris owns a gym here in Atlanta and has a lot of the younger generation looking at him for guidance, therefore he is a good idea for companies to sponsor.